Roselle

Fun Facts

Plant Family: Malvaceae

Botanical Name: Hibiscus sabdariffa

Botanical Origin: West Africa

Common Names: Roselle (internationally), Flor de Jamaica (Mexico and Central America), Florida Cranberry (regional name in the United States), Jamaica Sorrel (Caribbean), Bissap (Senegal and West Africa), Karkadé (North Africa and the Middle East), and Yakuwa (Northern Nigeria).

Edible Parts: The fleshy calyces that surround the seed pods are used in teas, beverages, preserves, and sauces. The leaves have a tart, sorrel-like flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked as a green vegetable. The seeds can be roasted, ground, or pressed for oil, and young shoots may also be eaten raw or cooked.